CBD for Pets

Dogs have endocannabinoid systems that are similar to ours, which means they can reap CBD health and wellness benefits similar to those enjoyed by humans.

Just as hemp-derived CBD products offer potential benefits to humans, they can help pets, too.

CBD (Cannabidiol) has been shown to have many potential benefits for humans, relieving symptoms associated with a range of medical conditions, from chronic pain to neurological disorders like epilepsy, to depression and anxiety, and more. But CBD isn’t just for humans. A growing body of research has produced evidence that CBD can also help pets (cats and dogs in particular) reap similar health benefits.

How Does CBD Work in Pets?

Cats and dogs — dogs especially — have endocannabinoid systems (ECS) that are similar to ours. The two common types of receptors in the ECS, called CB1 and CB2 receptors, are found in the central nervous system and immune system cells. Both the CB1 and CB2 receptors exist in canines, and CB1 is also present in felines.

The ECS is a network of receptors and cellular activators in the body that regulate the functions of many physiological processes. Those include stress, mood, pain, inflammation, and temperature, and involve both the brain and the immune system. CBD binds to, and activates, several types of receptors, such as serotonin, adenosine, and vanilloid, and boosts dopamine levels.

Both animal and human studies have shown that using CBD could bring relief to sufferers of a variety of medical conditions, from anxiety to autoimmune diseases. Its powerful anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties go hand in hand, helping protect the nervous and immune systems. This applies to dogs and cats, not just humans. Here are some potential applications of CBD for pets, backed by research.

Fighting Inflammation

CBD’s proven anti-inflammatory properties are linked to its positive effect on the ECS, encouraging it to produce natural cannabinoids. This means that it can help fight a wide variety of conditions linked to inflammation, including hypertension, depression, arthritis, diabetes, and more.

Arthritis and joint pain are very common in older dogs, for instance. Since they can’t communicate what their specific ailment or pain area is, CBD can offer general wellness and anti-inflammatory benefits that can help them feel better. CBD has been found to reduce:

CBD, at least one study has shown, can also suppress something called Th17 dominance. Th17 is an inflammatory autoimmune phenotype, which is a major cause of autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis.

Protection From Neurodegenerative Diseases

CBD can potentially help dogs suffering from nerve- and spine-related conditions like degenerative myelopathy. It’s been shown to help human patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Alzheimer’s.

Reducing Anxiety

Anxiety is common in both cats and dogs. Because CBD can boost dopamine levels, it’s been linked to improving mood and helping reduce anxiety. This could be especially relevant to dogs that suffer from separation anxiety and experience stress when exposed to loud noises like thunderstorms and fireworks, for example. One study looked at the behavioral and cardiovascular responses induced by stress and anxiety in rats, finding reduced heart rate and blood pressure with CBD use.

Other studies have shown CBD to reduce anxiety in humans with several forms of anxiety. Research findings around the following conditions could be relevant to pets, as well:

Treating Seizures and Epilepsy

Owners of dogs that suffer from seizures might like to know that CBD has been proven to work well for treatment-resistant epilepsy, demonstrating anticonvulsant and antiepileptic qualities. In one study, seven out of the eight epileptics receiving CBD showed improvement. Also, as JAVMA News has reported, two clinical studies out of Colorado State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences have also shown some promising results after looking at the effect of CBD on dogs with osteoarthritis or epilepsy.

What Else Do You Need to Know?

CBD can potentially calm your dog or cat and relieve pain associated with physical, mental, and behavioral issues (or just old age), all without any intoxication or other negative side effects. While you’re considering using CBD for your pet, you should also know that:

Your pet is not likely to build a tolerance to its effects, so dosage increases are not typically necessary.

Your pet won’t overdose on CBD products, though you should, of course, stick to the suggested dose.

At Simply CBD, we carry only hemp-derived CBD products that are lab-tested to ensure they are 100% THC-free. We’re more than happy to show you how to use any of our products, and discuss the dosage that might work best for your pet. Stop by any of our Simply CBD shops in New Orleans to learn more about CBD and to check out our huge selection of hemp-derived CBD products.

I've been using CBD to help with my shoulder pain, and it's been so effective I almost never take pain killers anymore. I take CBD drops every day and use that CBD pain freeze whenever the shoulder is acting up for almost instant relief.

James S. from New Orleans

NOLA CBD Dispensaries

Simply CBD shops are located across New Orleans, and our flagship CBD store is now open in Mid-City! Come on by and discover the wellness benefits of hemp-derived CBD.

Simply CBD does not sell or distribute any products that are in violation of the United States Controlled Substances Act (USA CSA).
The company does sell and distribute hemp-based products.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Disclosure: This product is not for use by or sale to persons under the age of 18. This product should be used only as directed on the label. It should not be used if you are pregnant or nursing. Consult with a physician before use if you have a serious medical condition or use prescription medications. A Doctor's advice should be sought before using this and any supplemental dietary product. All trademarks and copyrights are property of their respective owners and are not affiliated with nor do they endorse this product. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary.